Job Vacancy at UNOPS (The United Nations Office for Project Services) – Country Manager (Sierra Leone)
Job Description
Job categories Project Management, Leadership, Programme Management Vacancy code VA/2022/B5317/23229
Level ICS-11
Department/office AFR, GHMCO, Sierra Leone
Duty station Freetown, Sierra Leone
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-3
Duration Open-ended
Application period 20-Jan-2022 to 13-Feb-2022
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.
As part of the Multi-Country Office set up, a Project Office is responsible for developing, delivering, and managing the portfolio of engagements and cost-effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results. Project Office also manages the operational risks associated with the Project Office’s portfolio of engagements.
UNOPS has been established in Sierra Leone since 2000 and currently has over 70 personnel in the country, operating out of 3 main locations with its country office in Freetown.
During the last 15 years, UNOPS has delivered a variety of infrastructure projects nationwide, particularly in the fields of health and security infrastructure, and has procured a variety of vehicles, non-medical health-related items, and medical equipment. UNOPS is about to complete its flagship project in Sierra Leone, the Rural Renewable Energy Project, connecting more than 200,000 beneficiaries to solar mini-grids across the whole country. UNOPS Sierra Leone is in the process of expanding its footprint in the solar energy sector with the preparation of two additional large-scale projects.
The Project Office operates as an integral part of the Multi-Country Office management structure. The Country Manager reports to the Multi-Country Office Director who provides strategic direction and guidance.
She/ He will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring operations and engagements in a given country, frequently also acting in the capacity of Project Manager for the flagship project(s), whilst supervising the delivery of other projects. This includes liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of key results:
1. People leadership
2. Project Office portfolio management
3. Alliance building, networking, and advocacy for business development
4. Service delivery and quality assurance
5. Representation and inter-agency partnership
6. Knowledge management and innovation
1. People Leadership
Create, foster, and role model a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability within the Project Office.
Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
Create, foster, and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards, and commitments.
Promote teamwork, collaboration, and diversity, by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.
Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.
2. Project Office portfolio management
Under the guidance and oversight from the Multi-Country Office Director and the Head of Programme, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.
Plan and propose to the Multi-Country Office Director required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office.
Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office.
In collaboration with the partners, develop the objectives, performance measurements, standards, and results expected to ensure timely and partner-oriented services.
Oversee, monitor, and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information, and personnel within the respective area of responsibility.
Under the guidance from the MCO Director and with the support of the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, the Country Manager manages the overall HSSE performance in the Project Office while overseeing the implementation of all HSSE requirements
In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and performing duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy Manual.
3. Alliance building, networking, and advocacy for business development
Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them (and under the guidance from the Multi-Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy, and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.
Keep the Multi-Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for program/project management and business development.
4. Service delivery and quality assurance
In close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for ensuring excellence of business processes and quality standards as well as ensure direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programs/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
Lead flagship project implementation (if applicable) by managing project personnel and ensuring successful delivery in terms of timeline, budget, scope, quality, procedures, core values, partner satisfaction, and knowledge management.
Monitor and oversee program/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints, and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks and proposition of mitigation strategies to the Multi-Country Office, for action and/or intervention.
Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the Project Office, including submitting financial reports to the Multi-Country Office Director.
5. Representation and inter-agency partnership
Participate, as delegated by the Multi-Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonization of policies, practices, and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNSDCF, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One.
On behalf of the MCO Director, participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness, and security measures.
In alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Sierra Leone through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF or equivalent.
6. Knowledge management and innovation
Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
Plan, implement and organize the strategic capacity building of personnel, partners, and stakeholders.
Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Manager directly impacts the development and performance of the Project Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
A. Education
An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Economics, Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, and other relevant sciences combined with seven (7) years of relevant experience OR
A First level University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with nine (9) years of relevant experience is required.
B. Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development, operations, and/or program management in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.
At least 3 years of previous leadership and/or supervisory experience is required.
Experience working in the African Region is a distinct asset.
Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable. Some experience in the renewable energy sector is desirable.
Experience in the use of Google Suite applications as well as experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.
C. Language Requirements
Full working knowledge of English is essential.
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (Applicable only for levels ICS-10 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as a positive leadership role model, motivates, directs, and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them.
Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluate data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise, and open manner. Communication
indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
Individual Contractor Agreements)
Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work-life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
Freetown is a family duty station
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans, and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work-life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. Background information – AFR
Africa Region
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services, and managing human resources. AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.
“Each place that I work in has so much history and culture to explore and I am lucky enough to enjoy it all while helping improve the health of local communities”
Nang Shri Seng Lao
Unops Logistics Officer, Myanmar
Click to apply
Expiration date
February 13, 2022
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